School Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 April 2017

Tuesday, 4 April 2017

Ceisteanna (263)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

263. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions that exist for continued and full information technology funding in view of inequalities between funding allocations for majority and minority faith based or education and training board, ETB, schools, specifically in the case of a school (details supplied) which has received 50% of the funding provided for other faith and ETB schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16292/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 Enhancing Teacher Learning and Assessment, some €210m has been committed to address ICT infrastructure requirements in schools. The first tranche of this funding, some €30m, has been distributed to schools in respect of the 2016-2017 school year.

Under the terms of this funding, as detailed at www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0001_2017.pdf, fee-charging schools receive 50% of the rate applying to schools in the free education scheme. No distinction is made on the basis of faith in the funding given to fee-charging schools. The school referred to by the Deputy received 50% of the funding as stated in the circular, as did all other fee-charging schools, regardless of denomination or patronage.